The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is a gathering of startup champions from around the world-where entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and other thought leaders work together to help bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

The GEC brings together thousands of delegates from more than 170 countries to discuss economic and policy challenges around growing entrepreneurial ecosystems. With live events featuring the latest, best-in-class programming and research, GEC is a unique opportunity to meet fellow practitioners and stay apprised of new ideas, insights and developments. This annual event – hosted by a new entrepreneurial city each spring – is designed so that delegates return home with fresh ideas, tools and connections to leverage in their pursuit of forward-leaning entrepreneurship support efforts.Celebrating its 11th year, the next GEC will be hosted in Manama, Bahrain on April 15-18, 2019. Previous GEC city hosts have included: Kansas City (2009), Dubai (2010), Shanghai (2011), Liverpool (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2013), Moscow (2014), Milan (2015), Medellin (2016), Johannesburg (2017) and Istanbul (2018). The congress will feature numerous parallel tracks and networking platforms for sharing and inspiration, learning and exploration and aligning and reflection. Prior GEC speakers include Richard Branson, Muhtar Kent, Cyril Ramaphosa, Peter Vesterbacka, Andrea Illy, Oskar Metsavaht, Martha Lane Fox and Marc Ecko.

WHY BAHRAIN?

Bahrain, or two seas, is known for its rich history of more than five thousand years. The diverse blend of ancient civilizations as well as traditional and contemporary life offers its visitors a unique experience of the past’s charm and the present’s unique vision. Boasting 33 islands with a cosmopolitan capital city, an attractive liberal lifestyle and a rich history and culture, the Kingdom of Bahrain is an attractive destination for businesses and tourists alike. Its strategic location provides the best access to the Gulf, with excellent regional transport links by road, sea, and air, and a 25-km causeway to the largest market in the GCC. Bahrain has established itself as a regional pioneer through its long history of diversification and an attractive regulatory environment and forward-thinking government. Bahrain allows 100 percent foreign ownership in 98 percent of its business activities, offers an average of 30 percent lower operating costs compared to its neighbors, no corporate or income taxes, and is the only GCC state in which the entire country operates as a free zone. More than 4,000 years of history as a commercial crossroads has created a legacy of diversity and openness.

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE GEC

• What is the Global Entrepreneurship Congress?

Since launching in 2009 in Kansas City, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress has grown from 200 delegates to several thousands from more than 170 countries participating each spring. GEC 2019 is co-hosted by Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation along with the local host organization, Tamkeen, one of the cornerstones of Bahrain’s national reform initiatives and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

• Who may participate? Anyone may register and

participate. Participants represent all parts of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem: entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, government officials, startup support organizations, educators and more.

• Why is the GEC important?

The globalization of entrepreneurship has brought an explosion of programs, startup communities and investments into a new field where there is a paucity of data around what works and what does not in supporting nascent entrepreneurs and new firms forming and trying to scale. Traditional business, education and government leaders have been eager champions, but they need more sophisticated tools, programs and research to help them most efficiently direct their attention and funds to areas that have the greatest impact on future economic growth. The GEC helps address these needs by identifying effective initiatives – in all types of economies, large or small, advanced or developing – that positively impact entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world.

• When and where does the GEC take place?

The host city for GEC 2019 is Manama, Bahrain. The event takes place from April 15 – 18 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre. The airport in Manama is the Bahrain International Airport.

• How do I register?

Registration is now open for the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Bahrain at www.gec.co .
Once registered, you will receive additional notifications regarding the GEC from the GEN Global communications team. These notifications will include instructions for attending the GEC, program details and speaker highlights.

For more information:

Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Bahrain | April 15-18, 2019 www.gec.co